Apple may already be looking beyond its first foldable iPhone, while the future of its ultra-thin lineup remains uncertain.
According to tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, Apple has already “confirmed” development of the iPhone Ultra 2, even though the first-generation iPhone Ultra has yet to be officially announced. While the leaker did not clarify what this confirmation specifically means, it is believed that Apple has already begun work on the second-generation foldable.
The first iPhone Ultra is still expected to make its debut in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The leak also claims that the iPhone Ultra 2 will retain the same wide foldable display as its predecessor and may even reuse the exact same display panel.
If accurate, the move suggests Apple has strong confidence in its foldable smartphone lineup even before the first model reaches consumers.
The outlook appears less certain for the company’s Air series. According to the same leak, development of the iPhone Air 3 has not yet started. Its future will reportedly depend entirely on the commercial success of the upcoming iPhone Air 2.
Should the iPhone Air 2 fail to meet Apple’s sales expectations, the company could reportedly discontinue the Air lineup altogether.
The iPhone Air 2 is currently expected to launch next spring alongside the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e.
As with previous Apple-related leaks, these details remain unconfirmed. However, if the latest report proves accurate, Apple’s foldable ambitions appear to be gaining momentum, while the future of its slim Air series may ultimately rest on the performance of its next-generation model.